Pakistan’s struggles from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 extended into the first T20I game of the five-match series against New Zealand, leaving fans disappointed. The Men in Green faced a tough challenge at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, March 16, as they battled to make an impact after a disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan, determined to turn their luck around, made some bold decisions by dropping senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad. However, their efforts did not yield the desired results as they faced a crushing defeat in the series opener against New Zealand.
## Pakistan’s Batting Woes Continue
Pakistan’s hopes took a hit when they were sent in to bat first and found themselves in a dire situation early on. The team’s top-order collapsed, with the visitors reeling at a mere 11-4 within the first five overs. Kyle Jamieson proved to be a formidable opponent, wreaking havoc with the new ball to finish with figures of 3-8 in four overs, including a maiden over. Adding to Pakistan’s woes, Jacob Duffy delivered a career-best performance, taking 4-14 in 3.4 overs.
## Struggling to Rebuild
Despite a valiant effort by Captain Salman Agha, who scored 18 runs and shared a 46-run partnership with Khushdil Shah (top scorer with 32 off 30 balls), Pakistan never fully recovered from their early collapse. Jahandad Khan’s contribution of 17 runs was not enough to bolster the team’s total. In the end, Pakistan was bowled out for a meager 91 runs with eight balls to spare, marking a disappointing start to the series.
## Unwanted Record for Pakistan
The crushing defeat saw Pakistan register their lowest-ever T20I total on New Zealand soil. This unfortunate record surpassed their previous lowest T20I total against the Black Caps, which was 101 all out in a 95-run loss in Wellington back in 2016. The match in Christchurch marked Pakistan’s lowest T20I total in the format since 2010, leaving them with much to ponder as they head into the rest of the series.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s struggles in the T20I series against New Zealand highlight the team’s ongoing challenges following their disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. Fans are now eagerly awaiting to see if Pakistan can bounce back from this defeat and put up a stronger performance in the upcoming matches.
### Pakistan’s Bowling Woes
While Pakistan’s batting struggles were evident in the first T20I, their bowling department also faced challenges against New Zealand’s strong batting lineup. The Pakistani bowlers failed to contain the Black Caps’ aggressive approach, allowing them to chase down the target in just 12.4 overs with all ten wickets in hand. Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, went wicketless in his three overs, conceding 23 runs. The spinners also found it difficult to make an impact as New Zealand’s batsmen dominated from the start.
### Lack of Experience in the Squad
One of the key factors contributing to Pakistan’s struggles in the series opener was the absence of experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The decision to drop these senior players raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike, as their presence could have provided stability and leadership in a challenging situation. It remains to be seen whether the young and relatively inexperienced squad can step up and fill the void left by the senior players in the upcoming matches.
### The Need for a Strong Comeback
As Pakistan looks ahead to the remaining matches in the T20I series, there is a pressing need for a strong comeback to salvage their pride and reputation. The team will have to regroup quickly, address their batting and bowling issues, and come up with a solid game plan to challenge New Zealand in the following games. Captain Salman Agha will play a crucial role in motivating and leading the team to bounce back from the defeat and put up a competitive performance in the upcoming matches.
### Learning from Mistakes
Despite the disappointing start to the series, the setback can serve as a learning opportunity for Pakistan’s players and management. Analyzing the mistakes made in the first T20I, identifying areas for improvement, and making necessary adjustments will be vital for the team’s success in the rest of the series. Adapting to the conditions, executing plans effectively, and maintaining a positive mindset will be key factors in Pakistan’s quest to turn things around and make a strong statement against New Zealand.
### Looking Ahead
As Pakistan gears up for the remaining matches in the T20I series against New Zealand, there is optimism among fans that the team can rise to the occasion and showcase their true potential. With a talented group of players and the determination to bounce back from setbacks, Pakistan has the opportunity to put the series opener behind them and focus on delivering a much-improved performance in the upcoming games. The challenges faced in the first T20I can serve as a catalyst for Pakistan to come together, fight as a unit, and strive for success in the remainder of the series.
